The MBA application journey can feel like a marathon with no clear finish line, but understanding the admissions cycle is the key to a successful run. Here, we laid out a clear timeline, from the moment you start your research to the day you receive your acceptance letter. Knowing what to do and when to do it is crucial for presenting the best version of yourself to top business schools.

The Early Stages: Research and Planning

The MBA application process typically opens about a year before the program actually starts. So, if you’re looking to start the program next fall, you’ll be submitting your application this fall or the following spring. This long lead time is a gift, not a burden, because it gives you time to do your research, which is a major component of a winning application.

You should start by figuring out what you want to do and where you want to go. What are your career goals? What schools have the specializations, curriculum, and professors that align with those goals?  You should also be doing deep research on the schools themselves. You should be able to say, I want to go to this school because of this class, this event, this professor, this club. This demonstrates that you understand the school and are ready to be a productive member of their cohort. This is also the time to network and have pre-application conversations with students and alumni to get a feel for the school’s culture.

The Application Rounds: Timing is Everything

MBA applications typically work in rounds.

  • Round 1: The first round is usually around September to October. This round is great for strong applicants, as schools have more spots available and a higher percentage of their scholarships.
  • Round 2: Round two usually falls around January.
  • Round 3: Round three is typically in February, March, or April, depending on the school. Some schools might even have a fourth round.
  • Rolling Admissions: Some schools don’t have rounds. Instead, they have rolling admissions with a final deadline. In this case, the adcoms review applications as they come within a specific timeline.

Applying in earlier rounds is often advantageous, as later rounds can be more competitive. Some schools also offer early decision or early action rounds before round one, which are great for candidates who are certain about their top-choice school.

The Waiting Game: Interviews and Waitlists

Once your application is submitted, the waiting begins. If you are a strong candidate, you may receive an interview invitation. This is your chance to shine and show the admissions committee who you are beyond the paper.

If you are waitlisted, don’t despair! A waitlist is not a ‘no’; it’s a ‘we just want to know more’. It’s an opportunity for you to run a “waitlist campaign” and provide additional information to the school. This could include new letters of recommendation, updated work experience, or a video essay. Every school has its own preference, so you’ll want to check with them to see how they prefer waitlisted applicants to update their profiles.

The Final Stretch: Acceptance and Beyond

If you are accepted, especially if you’re an international student, the school will likely issue you an I-20 form. You’ll need to take this document to your local embassy to get your visa. Most programs then require you to attend orientation one or two weeks before classes start, so make sure you plan your travel accordingly. The journey is a long one, but with a strategic approach, you can successfully navigate every stage and secure your place in a top business school.

If you are not sure, which round to apply, contact ARINGO MBA Admissions Consulting. Our experts can evaluate your profile and can guide you on the best action plan on a complimentary basis.

This article is based on a webinar you can watch below.